How Old Was Your Teen When Left Overnight Alone for the 1St Time?

I left my 18 year old and her 20 year old cousin alone lasrt weekend because of a family emergency out of town, it was the first time. They called me at three in the morning and told me someone tried to break into the house. (It's a nice neighborhood but with less cars and less lights and maybe Christmas gifts I guess the burglars thought no one was home....or even worse knew the girls were home alone.) They don't want to be left alone again...

Dorm life is different. There are many girls in a building with everyone in the same situation...I don't think she'll have any trouble adjusting just because she hasn't been alone before.

God bless,

M.

3 moms found this helpful

I have an 18 year old who has not been left alone overnight yet. I am in my 30's and still not comfortable being alone at night! :D

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We have a 16 yr old girl, mature for her age and great kid. She loves being independent but we have not yet left her overnight.

I believe she would be fine, especially since we have 3 dogs who have very distinct barks when it comes to what is going on.

She has sleepovers all the time. I would consider it with her best friend being here with her and best friend's parents knowing the plans.

I would not want to leave her in a position just yet to get frightened. So many adults are scared to be alone at night and I don't want her going through fears like that if I can help it.

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My boys are 16 & 13 and I don't see us doing it anytime soon. For us it is not a trust issue - I just don't think my kids would like it (and I would be worried sick). I don't even like when my husband is out of town.

I agree with Mimi that dorm life is not like being home alone (at least it wasn't for me). I never felt fearful in my dorm.

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I don't know, of any kids that age, per my friends, who have left their Teen alone over night.

Myself, never at that age, nor older.
BUT... once I attended college, away from home, in a different State, I was perfectly FINE!

There is a BIG difference, developmentally, between a 16 year old and an 18 year old. This is not an indication, of your child now, of how she will adapt, later, in college.

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FYI, I was 17 the first time my parents left me alone overnight. A LONG time ago. (-: Anyhow, I was a straight A student, very responsible kid and didn't drink, UNTIL my parents left me alone that weekend. For some reason, I felt compelled to be "naughty." There happened to be a small town block party going on that weekend. My equally responsible friends joined me in this behavior. Something to keep in mind......

My oldest is 14. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't leave him alone overnight until college. I will probably always try to find a friend or neighbor for him to stay with. College is a good way to adjust to staying "alone" and having some independence. They almost always have roommates, plenty of people nearby and some sort of RA or similiar individual to consult.

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Never.
My oldest is 21 and in the NAvy and when he is home I still dont' leave him, although I probably could now.
I won't leave my next one, 15, even though she does babysit, but then only until midnite.
When she goes to college she'll have a roommate.
I can't sleep in the house alone without the dog either.

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I left my 16 year old daughter at home alone due to a family emergency for 2 nights - as luck would have it, the power went out the first night from an electrical storm, and she was so freaked out! I got phone calls every half hour...but everything worked out ok. I guess it depends on the kid. She's away at college now - had some separation problems the first year, and still gets a little homesick from time to time, but it's all part of the growing up process!

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my sis & I were 18 & 16 the first time we stayed alone.

Our son was about 18 when we began traveling without him, leaving him in charge of our home & pets.

Conversely, & I don't know "why" I'm throwing this one in here!.....my sis & I were 17 & 15 when we were allowed to travel from St. Louis (where we lived) to our lake home 2 1/2 hours away! My older son began solo road trips when he was 16 - 17. Funny, what's the difference btwn the road trips & staying home alone? Hmmm, one to throw at my Mom & sis!

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Hi NB, my kids are 18, 16, 13. They have NEVER been left alone overnight. My oldest is away at school, so obviously he's left alone now, tehehe! I have so much family in the area, if I have to be away, I've left them with their cousins, etc. They do NOT like it when Mom is not home!

:)

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My parents were/are river rats. Growing up we headed to the river every weekend. As we got older (my bro and I are 2 years apart), my parents trusted us to stay home alone. All through HS I'd watch my little bro and we would stay home alone on weekends. No problems. Keep in mind, my parents informed our neighbors and friends in town. They were always a phone call away. Keep in touch with those around you and the fridge stocked. If she is fine with it, you should be too.